Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1    Relevant Background Information

      The Committee is reminded that at its meeting in February 2012 it received a report regarding an application for funding to the Sport NI Community Capital Programme.  The report outlined a proposal from Grove United FC to upgrade one of the existing grass pitches at Shore Road Playing Fields to 3G.  This work would in part be undertaken with funding from Sport NI.

      The Club had asked the Council to provide the necessary security of tenure required to draw down the funding from Sport NI, estimated to be in the region of £245,000.  The report highlighted a number of matters that required clarification.

      In the interim period, Officers have met with representatives from Grove United and from Malachians to discuss the issues previously identified in the February report.  The current position is as follows:

1.     An application has now been made to the Planning Service, a decision is pending;

2.     The issue of funding remains uncertain, although the club has been awarded a conditional offer of £100,000 under the Local Investment Fund; as part of the Council’s Investment Programme.

      Security of tenure of remains outstanding, however, agreement has been reached with the Club to enter into a lease agreement rather than a facilities management agreement. 
 

      It has also been agreed that, at this time the boundary for the agreement be restricted to the existing grass area immediately adjacent to the Tabernacle Church.

2    Key Issues

      The main issue for the Committee to focus on at this time is the security of tenure.  As Members may recall from previous discussions, Sport NI requires an appropriate legal agreement to ensure that the facility will continue to function as a sports pitch for a period of ten years from completion of the works.  In line with the approach taken with other applications made under the Community Capital Programme it is proposed that the Council enter into a lease agreement for a period of ten years from completion of the works.  In addition, Sport NI require a Deed of Dedication.  The Committee is reminded that the Deed of Dedication would require the Council to take over responsibility for maintaining, operating and (if necessary) replacing or renewing the facility if the grant recipient is unable to do so at any time during the ten years.  Should the Council chose not to maintain, operate, or replace the facility, SNI could seek repayment of part of the grant funding (based on a sliding scale over the ten year period).

      Similar agreements have been entered into in respect of applications relating to other Council sites under the Community Capital Programme.

3    Resource Implications

      Financial

      There are no additional financial implications, however, there is the potential for a request for financial assistance to meet all or part of the short fall in funding.

      Human Resources

      There are no additional human resource implications; work is being progressed within existing resources.

         Asset and Other Implications

      The provision of a third generation synthetic surface would enable the facility to increase use and help address short fall in provision.  It would support the development of programmes to support initiatives around health and well being; community safety and the creation of shared spaces.  At present, the grass only facility restricts the ability to generate programmes.

4    Equality and Good Relations Considerations

      There are no equality considerations.  The creation of a synthetic pitch to replace the grass pitch would support Good Relations initiatives in the area through increased access to the facility.

5    Recommendations

      It is recommended that the Committee:

1.   Note the report; and

2.     Agree to enter into an appropriate ten year lease agreement with Grove United and Malachians and associated ten year Deed of dedication with Sport NI subject to approval from Strategic Policy & Resources in line with Standing Order 60 and subject to:

·        The applicants receiving the necessary statutory approvals;

·        The clubs securing the necessary funding;

·        The lease containing appropriate clauses which will ensure that the facility will help support and contribute to the Council’s wider strategic outcomes;

·        The legal framework will making provision relating to the

·        maintenance programme for the upkeep of the pitch and will provide for a capital replacement fund to meet the cost of replacement of capital items during the term of the agreement.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.